How to remove Honor ransomware

Honor ransomware is a malicious program that locks your files and demands to pay Bitcoins

Honor ransomware is a new cyber threat that uses a strong encryption algorithm to lock files on the targeted computer. To the targeted data malware appends .honor file extension. As soon as it encrypts^[1] all necessary files, it delivers a ransom note where victims are asked to transfer some Bitcoins to get their files back.

Honor virus encrypts files using a combination of RSA and AES encryption algorithms – it was uncovered based on the open-source virus called “My Little Ransomware” which was discovered two years ago. The key which is generated uniquely to each victim is stored on a remote server by hackers. Hence, restoring files without it becomes almost an impossible task.

Ransomware usually spreads via contaminated spam emails. As soon as the payload is dropped and executed on the machine, Honor malware makes changes to the system in order to boot every time user turns on the computer. Once it strengthens its presence, malware starts complicated data encryption procedure.

During the encryption, the name of each targeted file is changed to randomly generated numbers and letters. Ransomware makes files inaccessible by adding .honor extension. The virus can encrypt a variety of files, including: .jpg, .mp4, .txt, .doc, .mp3, .mpg, etc. For example, if you had a picture.jpg on your computer, the infected file would look like this: “p9tge5o.jpg.honor.”

The crypto-virus also displays the instructions on how to get your files back. Honor ransomware creators ask for ransom to be paid in a limited amount of time; otherwise, all the encrypted data will be deleted permanently. It is currently unknown how much the ransom cost; however, it is demanded in Bitcoin cryptocurrency.

Ransomware is a severe threat and is not easy to deal with. Manual Honor ransomware removal is not recommended as the virus is embedded deep within computer files. Therefore, a robust anti-malware program (such as FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes) should be used to eliminate the dangerous virus.

A lot of users might fall victims for hackers’ demands and try to pay the ransom.^[2] However, we highly advise you to restrain yourself from communicating with hackers. Firstly, you can never know if you will get your files back, even after paying the ransom. Cybercriminals are known to ignore victims and leave the data locked permanently.

Secondly, you will merely encourage hackers to produce more ransomware viruses as their attempt to steal money from innocent users becomes a success. Therefore, do not support these criminals and avoid any contact with them! Instead, you should remove Honor ransomware from your machine.

Watch out for spam emails that come your way!

Spam emails are still the primary distribution method for ransomware, warn security experts from Turkey.^[3] Quite often, users do not pay attention to whether or not the email is legitimate. Typically, the attachment is in the form of a document (such as MS Excel, MS Word or similar) or a text file.

Hackers often persuasively demand that the file would be opened (for example, “Please see attached your purchase order for $3000”). These are all phishing emails which distribute ransomware’s payload.

Therefore, extreme caution should be used while checking emails from unknown sources. Additionally, email providers flag potentially dangerous items as spam – make sure you use this useful tool.

Remove .honor file virus with professional tools

Before trying to recover your files, you have to perform Honor ransomware removal. However, we do not advise using manual elimination method. Ransomware is a severe infection and should be deleted properly. Dealing with it manually can damage your files for good and further harm your computer.

Therefore, we recommend you to remove Honor ransomware automatically using robust security software. Please pick one the following applications: FortectIntego, SpyHunterCombo Cleaner or MalwarebytesMalwarebytes. These programs are designed to deal with even the most severe computer threats.

Be aware that the virus might block the startup of the security tool. In that case, restart your computer in Safe Mode with Networking and perform full computer scan.

We also provided you with alternative options for file decryption that might help to bring back at least some of your files until the official decryptor is released. You can find the tutorial below. However, the safest way to deal with data recovery is to keep it backed-up on an external drive.